Southern Suburbs Rising Main contract treating economy to 20 local jobs

Date published: 8 March 2019

Townsville City Council has awarded locally based RMS Engineering a $10.4 million contract to build a section of the Southern Suburbs Rising Main and the Recycled Water Reuse Scheme pipeline.

The first section to be installed – in conjunction with the pipeline for the Recycled Water Reuse Scheme – will be in Annandale.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the work was expected to create 20 direct and indirect jobs.

“This innovative project includes installing an upgraded section of the city’s sewerage network alongside the pipeline for the Recycled Water Reuse Scheme,” Cr Hill said.

“Building both these pieces of infrastructure together will be more efficient and cost effective.

“Importantly, this work has been awarded to a locally based company and will create 20 direct and indirect jobs.”

The Southern Suburbs Rising Main will help reduce pressure on the sewerage network and cater for future growth in the area.

The Recycled Water Reuse Scheme will treat wastewater to a high standard where it can be used for industrial uses and irrigation of community green spaces such as parks and playing fields.

The Southern Suburbs Rising Main and the Recycled Water Reuse Scheme will be supplied from the Cleveland Bay Purification Plant – where an extra treatment process will occur.

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said Council was still committed to delivering its 3-point water security solution.

“Our city has been through unprecedented floods but we know how changeable our weather up here is,” Cr Cook said.

“We need to prepare for the next time the city is in drought and that’s why we are upgrading our infrastructure now.

“The Southern Suburbs Rising Main is another important infrastructure upgrade the will increase capacity in the sewerage network and allow for future growth.”

The Southern Suburbs Rising Main project has received $5 million in funding from the Queensland Government.